Clark brings back seven players from last season, including junior quarterback Chase Hinkle, who was called up from the junior varsity team after Jacob Brigham went down with a season-ending foot injury.

Hinkle went 63-for-124 for 801 yards passing in the final four games of the season, in which Concord went 1-3 to finish the season at 1-8 overall.

“Playing the last four games of the season really helped Chase (Hinkle) skip that honeymoon phase of going from JV to varsity,” Clark said. “We just need him to step in and be a good leader.

“We’re really going to spread it around to four or five different guys, but we have to take advantage of our opportunities this season.”

The Yellow Jackets have to count on several new pieces this season with just seven of last season’s 95 receptions returning.

Concord lost four games by 10 points or less last season, and Clark points to turnovers as the main culprit in the team’s struggles during close games.

“We have to do a better job of taking care of the ball,” he said. “Fumbles cost us about three or four games last season.”

Clark said Hinkle's top priority is to step in and help the team protect the ball.

Hinkle is embracing his role as the team’s leader entering the season and is confident in his ability to run the offense and curb the turnover bug.

“I honestly love being the boss out there and being in charge,” he said. “I’ve seen the speed and strength at the varsity level, and it’s really helped a lot in making the transition.

“Right now, it’s all about going hard in practice and getting better every single day.”

Senior Clayton Simmons returns as a key piece to an offensive line that is moving on without its 6-foot-4, 240-pound anchor Jarrod Hoath.

“We’ve obviously lost a lot in size and strength, but we’ve gained a lot of speed and athleticism,” he said. “This is a really good team, everyone is close with each other and there aren’t any cliques.”

Concord opens its season with two straight games at home: Aug. 28 against Hanover-Horton and the conference opener Sept. 5 against Union City.